Lee Sobot

CHAIRMAN John Flynn has dismissed Carlton Athletic’s quadruple claims as “pure fantasy” ahead of the first of three cup semi-finals.

Carlton, who are newly promoted, remain firmly in the Premier Division title mix despite Saturday’s goalless draw at Robin Hood Athletic and are now preparing for tonight’s Leeds & District FA Senior Challenge Cup semi against Whitkirk at Bracken Edge.

Carlton are also through to the League Cup semis where Brighouse Old Boys await and Athletic remain two wins away from landing the biggest prize of all with last Thursday night’s County Challenge Cup semi-final with Rimington postponed.

Rimington beat Field in the quarter-finals but Field have accused Rimington of fielding an ineligible player.

Yet whoever provides the County Cup semi-final opposition, Flynn feels there is little chance of his side landing a four-timer with the chairman and joint boss admitting his newly promoted side have already achieved this season’s objectives: “We still have a good chance of the quadruple, but realistically it’s pure fantasy. We have just received the fixture list to the end of the season and it’s horrendous. We still have 14 league games, we have a shout for the League title and we’re in three semi-finals which is brilliant.

“But myself and (joint-boss) Mark Pitts are experienced enough to accept that although we’ll be striving for every trophy, the physical demands make this unlikely. Leeds City were in a similar position last year and ended up winning the League Cup. Playing three times a week for five or six weeks takes it’s toll as we haven’t got the biggest of squads.

“When we got promotion last year our ambition was consolidation and anything else was a bonus. If we fall on our faces and win nothing this year, it’s still been a great effort from the lads, if we manage to win one that will be a real bonus, anything more will be most gratefully accepted.”

Champions Field took advantage of Carlton’s draw on Saturday by moving four points clear of second-placed Beeston St Anthony’s as goals from Tom Ponter and Christopher Wood sealed a 2-1 win at home to Brighouse Old Boys. Beeston were in League Cup action and sealed a 1-0 win at Oxenhope Recreation thanks to a Sean Jeavons winner. Horbury Town also progressed 1-0 at home to Hunslet Club.

In the league, Carlton are third, ahead of Leeds City on goal difference after City drew 2-2 at home to Knaresborough Town whose Ben Joyce hit a brace.

Wetherby Athletic moved sixth by thumping visiting Wyke Wanders 6-0 with Dominic Creamer blasting in a five timer.

In other highlights, Division One leaders Stanley United took a huge step towards sealing the title with a 5-0 win at second-placed Sherburn White Rose through goals from Joe Childs, Stuart Davies, Russell Gill, Joshua Whiteley and Kieran Wright. Baildon Trinity Athletic walloped visiting Thornhill 14-1 with Lee Matthews and Andrew Radosavic both nothing four goals each.

Photo gallery: Match action and goals from the weekend’s games around Leeds and West Yorkshire